Klopp ‘Interested’ in £18 Million Howedes Deal

As this would be worryingly negligent, German outlet DW Sports‘ claim that the 50-year-old is “interested” in an £18.3 million deal to sign Schalke veteran Benedikt Howedes is a relief.

Howedes has fallen out of favour at his current club following the arrival of manager Domenico Tedesco in June, and is said to be considering a move to England.

The 29-year-old played alongside Matip during their time together at Schalke, and would be a fine addition to complement the Cameroonian.

This is Anfield’s Henry Jackson believes signing Howedes would be a “no brainer” for Liverpool, with Anfield the “perfect destination” for the versatile defender.

“He could come straight in and thrive under the stewardship of his compatriot Klopp,” Jackson writes, “and add the sort of quality, experience, and depth that the Reds continue to lack.”

Barcelona Linked With Trio of Reds Targets

Barcelona’s reputation as a respected European powerhouse has taken a series of hits this summer, with their efforts at bolstering Ernesto Valverde’s squad roundly criticised.

The failure to land Coutinho has left the Liga giants desperate to seal further signings as they move on following Neymar’s £198 million move to Paris Saint-Germain.

And according to the Mirror, Barcelona scouted two players regularly linked with Liverpool, Naby Keita and Leon Goretzka, in Schalke’s 2-0 over RB Leipzig on Saturday.

Furthermore, the Guardian, among claims that they still harbour hopes of signing Coutinho, report that the Catalan outfit are “closing in” on OGC Nice’s Jean Michael Seri.

This shift in interest from Barcelona does seem convenient, to say the least…

Palace Eye Pair of Sakho Alternatives

Along with a lack of signings over the past month, Liverpool have also not been able to shift any more of their unwanted players since Kevin Stewart left for Hull City on July 21.

One of those expected to leave is Mamadou Sakho, but with Crystal Palace manager Frank de Boer labelling the Reds’ £30 million valuation “too expensive,” this now seems less likely.

Instead of Sakho, Palace are reported to have set their sights on more obtainable targets.

The Mirror suggest that the Eagles are interested in AEK Athens’ Ognjen Vranjes, who would be available for up to £4.5 million, while the Mail claim they have bid £15 million for Tottenham‘s Kevin Wimmer.